AC Aceca prototype engine start

This car isn’t just rare, it’s completely unique. It differs from the standard Aceca (itself rare and prized by AC aficionados and collectors). This car was known as “Mr Charles’s car” as it was used almost exclusively by Mr Charles Hurlock (the Hurlock brothers owned AC Cars at the time).

This car differs from the standard Aceca in a number of ways but the one that stands out the most is that it is 4 inches wider than the standard car. It also features several styling cues that would be seen on the AC Cobra but weren’t on the standard Aceca coupe.

The engine fitted to the Aceca Prototype is the 128bhp 2.0 litre Bristol (straight-6) 100D2 engine, considered to be the most desirable amongst collectors, enough to propel the AC Aceca prototype onto a top speed of over 115mph and from 0-60 in around 9 seconds. Interestingly, although the Aceca was slightly heavier than the Ace 2 seat sports car, it was slightly faster due to improved aerodynamics.

It’s thought that if AC hadn’t gone on to make the Cobra, they would have released an updated Aceca like this prototype. We all know the direction they took, making this car all the more interesting and a valuable piece of automotive history.

Find out more about this car by clicking the links to the right.

— Carphile

Carphile.co.uk celebrates classic, modern and interesting cars - helping car enthusiasts get the most from their cars